EIT Measurement Belt with Integrated Strain Gauges for Contour Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) measurement devices lack the ability to accurately determine the absolute positional relation of electrode pads in tomographic images, leading to difficulties in diagnosing varying shapes and sizes of measurement targets, and existing methods for measuring contours are labor-intensive and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device with a measurement belt integrated with electrode pads and strain gauges that estimates contour shapes by acquiring voltage signals and using curvature data to set reference points, calculate relative coordinate values, and adjust positions to determine the contour shape based on a predetermined function curve, allowing for accurate contour estimation and size adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EIT measurement is performed using electrode pads without integrated position sensing, then the measurement can be performed with simple electrode placement, but the absolute positional relation of electrode pads cannot be determined leading to inaccurate diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrode pads with strain gauges into a single integrated measurement belt structure. The strain gauges are embedded within the electrode pad assembly, allowing simultaneous acquisition of electrical impedance data and positional/shape information. This integration enables the system to determine absolute positional relations of electrode pads relative to the body surface without requiring separate positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces strain gauges as intermediary elements that sense the deformation of the measurement belt caused by body contours. These strain gauges act as mediators between the rigid electrode pad structure and the flexible body surface, providing curvature information that enables calculation of absolute positions and contour shapes without direct mechanical attachment or complex positioning mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If manual contour measurement using calipers is performed, then contour shape information can be obtained, but the process becomes labor-intensive and prone to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement belt with integrated strain gauges performs self-measurement of contour shapes through automatic detection of belt deformation. The strain gauges inherently sense the curvature and position information as the belt conforms to the body, eliminating the need for manual operations with external measuring tools. The system automatically acquires both impedance and positional data simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems (calipers, tapes) with an electrical sensing system. The strain gauges convert mechanical deformation of the belt into electrical signals that can be processed to determine contour shapes. This substitution of mechanical measurement with electrical sensing automation eliminates manual labor and improves measurement efficiency while maintaining or enhancing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement belt is made flexible to accommodate different body shapes, then adaptability improves, but maintaining precise geometric relations between electrode pads and strain gauges becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement belt as a flexible, dynamic structure that can adapt its geometry to different body contours. The electrode pads and strain gauges are mounted in a configuration that maintains their relative geometric relations even when the belt deforms. This dynamic design allows the system to accommodate various body shapes while preserving the reference frame needed for accurate position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a predetermined geometric relation between electrode pads and strain gauges during the manufacturing stage. This preliminary configuration creates a reference frame that remains valid even when the belt is deformed during measurement. The relative positions are pre-defined and maintained through the belt's flexible structure, enabling accurate contour reconstruction without requiring rigid geometric constraints during actual use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple and accurate diagnosis of various measurement targets with different contour shapes and sizes by providing precise contour estimation and size adjustment, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical impedance tomography (hereinafter simply referred to as EIT) measurement device is technology for causing a weak current to flow from pairs of electrodes adhered to a body surface and imaging a conductivity distribution or a distribution of a conductivity change within a living body from a potential difference occurring in the body surface.
Implementation Method 2
a measurement belt to which a plurality of electrode pads arranged in a row and a plurality of strain gauges arranged in parallel to the plurality of electrode pads are integrally adhered
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement device has a measurement belt to which a plurality of electrode pads arranged in a row and a plurality of strain gauges arranged in parallel to the plurality of electrode pads are integrally adhered and configured to be used after being wrapped around a portion serving as a measurement target of a living body; and a processor configured to: acquire an image of the portion serving as the measurement target while applying a current to the plurality of electrode pads and acquiring a voltage signal generated between the electrode pads; and estimate a contour shape of the portion serving as the measurement target and a size of the contour shape on the basis of curvature data acquired via the plurality of strain gauges.